The Story Behind Chicago's Jibarito Sandwich

Sometimes, the ingredients of a sandwich can cause the taste buds to tingle, but sometimes they might sound like they’ll make you sick. Chicago‘s jibarito definitely hits somewhere in the middle. With a sandwich plastered between two plantains – where could it go wrong? Turns out the sandwich may be strange, but its origin isn’t something to balk at either!

Serving sandwiches on plantains is nothing new in latin culture, and has been a staple in Puerto Rico for many years. But when Juan “Peter” Figueroa introduced the jibarito sandwich at Borinquen restaurant in Humboldt Park, people were surpised and delighted. The sandwich consists of garlic-flavored mayonnaise, meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, and may have a few copycats out there, but the tried and true jibarito started with Juan Figueroa.

Years ago, his restaurant was nothing noteworthy, just a hole in the wall really. As the story goes, he was reading a Puerto Rican newspaper when he stumbled across an article about sandwiches made with plantain. The fruit, which is similar in size and shape like a banana, tastes like a sweeter, nuttier version of a fried potato, which makes it the perfect pairing with savory sandwich ingredients. This inspired Figueroa to make a plantain sandwich in honor of his father.

Over the next month, Figueroa’s father not only fell in love with the sandwich, he requested one every day. Soon Borinquen restaurant began to serve the sandwich, which Figueroa called jibaros. The word jibaro is a two-fold insulting/affectionate term for a backwoods native of Puerto Rico. Though the term is for someone underwhelming, the sandwich transformed Figueroa’s restaurant from a small venue into a worldwide phenomenon.

The sandwiches sold out by the thousands and have since become a staple of Chicago cuisine. The sandwiches are so popular that many have copied the idea. Jibaros and jibaritos have shown up all over the midwest, despite Figueroa’s brother’s suggestion that he should have patented the sandwich. However, Juan Figueroa insists that the sandwich should be shared with everyone.

After coming to the United States with practically nothing in 1976, Figueroa’s is the true rags-to-riches story. But when it comes to his background and rise to fame, he remains humble. After all, he wants to share his sandwich with the world. So for those so inclined… run home, grab some plantains and get frying!

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.